Preparing for home

I began planning my trip to Africa over a year and a half ago.  I began with prayer, which lead to researching my options and then contacting the missionaries and organizations that I hoped to work with.  Then I had to save funds and plan strategically about what I needed, what I would pack, and so many other minute but vital details.  This happened to be part of the fun.

Then I had to leave home, the man I love, the home I enjoy, the dog and cat I cherish.  That was bitter sweet, knowing I would be without their comforts and yet longing for a land and people that reside in my heart.  Africa.

Here in Africa, I have now had the honor of meeting three of my sponsored kids who are stunning and miraculous.  I have sung songs with them and embraced them and etched their features in my memory so that I can close my eyes and see them.  I can see Innocent's dark features and Jesus shining from behind his eyes, lifting the corners of his mouth to a serious smile.  Barbra's hazel-green eyes sparkle with a grin sort of lighting up her face.  And Kudzunai cautiously stares at me to ensure my reality.  He tries to be as serious as possible but when I smile he raises his eyebrows and a smile lifts his cheeks from ear to ear.  This is my Africa.

Now, I find myself with a day of rest preparing to leave for the US in less than twenty-four hours.  I am excited to return to people and pets that I love and yet there is a hollow longing that weighs on my heart, a longing for my real home where LOVE in all of its purity and glory will utterly surround me and those I love.  I long for my heavenly home, where the man and family I adore as well as "my Africa" will be united for eternity.  That is a pleasant thought and for now it will carry me through my flight to Duarte, CA until Africa and I meet again.